by Ferry through the fjord, Albania
Instead of a four-hour road trip from Koman to Fierzë, relax and enjoy the Scottish fjords through the Drin River. We went back to the Berisha ferry, which takes 10 cars, as well as foot passengers. Everyone sits on deck, regardless of the weather, to take in the sights, which began with an extremely straight white line high in the rock, showing the water level during the rainy season. The scenery was amazing with forest covered hills and high, rocky mountains with different colored strata. From time to time, a remote, isolated house could be seen. After two hours, we started noticing small tourist boats and hardy kayakers before we reached Fierzë.
Roy Messenger
High travel by bus, Montenegro-Croatia
The scenic bus trip from Podgorica to Dubrovnik reveals a tapestry of natural splendor of the Balkans. After filling up on Njeguški steak and black risotto in Montenegro’s capital, it’s a blissful ride through rugged landscapes, with views of the Bay of Kotor being one of the many highlights. Roads snake along the coast, giving glimpses of azure waters against cliffs adorned with lush greenery. The colors of the Adriatic Sea contrast with the earthy tones of the coast. The final destination is the ancient walls of Dubrovnik emerging, welcoming visitors with its timeless charm and charm.
Eternal
Cycling adventures on Norway’s Lofoten Islands
The mountains of the Lofoten Islands in the Norwegian Arctic Circle are great for exploring by bike as you traverse between them rather than over them. I’ve never seen such a great rescue peak from a bike – and with so little effort. Bridges connecting the islands add to the interest. I started at Svolvær and ended at the southern tip of the archipelago at Å, the prettiest of the villages, all with red wooden houses and, usually, cod racks hanging out to dry. You can put your bike on the bus for the return journey.
Paul Kirkwood
Tips from Guardian Travel readers
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Enjoy a white night on a Scandi ferry trip
Related: Rail route of the month: cheese, chocolate and a magical journey to the Swiss town of Gruyères
One romantic trip I enjoyed last summer was an open-air deck passage across the Baltic Sea from Helsinki to Stockholm. Even better, the route is part of Interrail, so Tallink ferries are 30% off the €95 one-way fare. I was lucky enough to take it in June, so I watched the sun set at 3:00am, and then rise a few hours later. This time is called “white nights” in Scandinavia. It is magical to be on the water watching the sun set on the waves and the moonlight playing with the waves as a ship glides towards its destination, the lights of the land peeking out in the distance, it is magical. I wanted the journey to go 17 times slower, not faster!
There
Following Theroux’s footsteps across Europe to Istanbul
In my quest to replicate the European leg of Paul Theroux’s The Great Railway Bazaar, I traveled from the suburbs of Manchester to Istanbul. Using an Interrail world pass, I tried to follow the route of the Venice Simplon-Orient Express. Slow trains, fast trains, communist-era trains and graffiti-covered trains took me to my destination (along with a short bus ride). With stops in Lausanne and Zagreb and an overnight train from Sofia, I circled lakes Geneva and Maggiore, drank cool beers in alpine Austria and kept my head down through dystopian-feeling Serbia. I was in awe of Croatia’s pastel yellow stations and felt the amazing glow as I walked out of Sirkeci station into the wilds of Istanbul.
Lee Hanvey
Our way across the Aegean for market day
When I was on holiday in Kos last summer I took my parents on a ferry trip to Datça in Turkey for the day. It was 31/2-one hour (about €30) return trip. Chugging out of the bay of Kos, the pleasant Aegean wind was welcome, taking the heat out of scorching temperatures as we sat outside. Pulling into Datça, I was immediately struck by the tranquil bay, hillside houses and white boats moored on the water. It was market day so we enjoyed local exotic spices and were invited to drink brewed Turkish tea by vendors who were happy to chat with us and offer us figs and dates. One vendor even gave us a lift back to the ferry in his open truck to help us carry a hand-woven rug we bought. A beautiful sunset and some simit (twisted bread with sesame seeds), cheese and olives given to us helped the journey return peacefully.
April
The best Belgrade train ride Bar none
The train journey from Belgrade to Bar has to be one of the slowest in Europe, taking 11 hours to cover 296 miles, but in return it passed through some of the most dramatic scenery I’ve ever seen. Passing through deep gorges, canyons and mountain peaks, the train crossed more than 400 bridges and seemed to stop at every village. At one point an old woman caught him on a donkey. It is best in the summer when the hours of daylight will allow you to appreciate its beauty.
Peter
To Tropea, Italy, on the Coast of the Gods line
The train line from Pizzo to Reggio Calabria follows the Coast of the Gods, named for its turquoise seas, sheltered coves and rocky scenery. The train calls at Tropea (a town founded by Hercules in Greek mythology, more famous for onions), the beautiful castle and beach of Scilla (of Scylla and Charybdis) and Reggio (where ancient Greek bronze statues the real world). Calabria wins cucina poverawith great vegetable dishes, and the local Bergamotto liqueur makes a great spritz.
Sally
Winning tip: Bikes, birds and beaches in Vlieland, Netherlands
Two ferries to a car-free paradise. After boarding the Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry, I headed straight to the sun deck for a G&T. In Harlingen, further north, another ferry took me in 1½ hours to the island of Vlieland. I cycled through the dunes to the endless sandy beaches. I enjoyed Kroon’s Polders, the heaven of the beasts, where I saw many spoonbills and many other birds. It is so quiet. There are many cycle paths on the small island and there are restaurants in the only village, Oost-Vlieland; My favorite was Herbergh van Flielant.
Monique Gadella
